THE parents of young cancer sufferer Robyn Brooks have been given the news they have been dreading.

The seven-year-old has suffered a relapse of the rare neuroblastoma cancer.

Robyn's fight has captured the hearts of the nation - including pop stars Atomic Kitten and Gareth Gates.

When doctors in this country said there was nothing more they could do for Robyn, her family and supporters in Rochdale raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for her to undergo treatment in America

It looked like Robyn may have been over the worst of the disease when tests showed no sign of the cancer.

But after further checks, doctors in New York delivered the devastating news that her cancer had returned.

Parents Garry and Karen have urged those who have backed Robyn throughout her fight to keep supporting her in her greatest hour of need.

Karen said: "We're devastated. It is a huge setback for Robyn. Her chances of surviving this disease are very slim now.

Miracles

"We're calling for miracles, but we've not given up hope because Robyn is still battling this disease. If her bone marrow had shown signs of the disease that would have been a dire situation, but it was clear and this gives us a chance.

"It's so devastating as she has just started school and she looks so well. She hasn't had to have a blood transfusion for ages, but it just shows you can never tell with this disease."

Robyn had been clear of neuroblastoma after 15 months of intensive treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, in New York. It has included chemotherapy, an operation on her chest, a stem cell transplant and antibody therapy treatment.

She will now start a two-week course of radiation treatment on Monday combined with taking the drug, thalidomide, which is used to stop the flow of blood to tumours.

Garry said: "We've not told Robyn as we want her to keep the positive attitude that has got her this far. There are new treatments being developed all the time. We hope people will continue to support us.